MAKING THE CONNECTION:

Climate Changes Mental Health

he burning of fossil fuels causes the release of carbon dioxide, which builds up in the atmosphere and causes Earth’s temperature to rise—this is climate change. Upstream burning of fossil fuels produces heat-trapping toxins that are Treleased into the air, harming our health downstream. The Earth’s average temperature has increased by nearly 1.5°F in the last century, with recent years being the warmest on record. However, climate change refers to the lasting disruption of our weather patterns, not just temperature increases. Some of these weather-related changes include increased floods and droughts, wildfires, intense storms, heat waves, and rising sea levels. These conditions have far-reaching environmental, social, agricultural, and economic effects and are ultimately harmful to our health and well-being. Climate change not only affects our physical health but can also harm our mental health and wellness.

BACKGROUND ON MENTAL HEALTH FAST FACTS Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, behavioral, and social well- • More than 40 million adults being. It determines how people cope with the normal stress of life and function in the U.S. suffer from a mental within their community. Mental illness, on the other hand, adversely affects one’s illness. thinking, feelings, and/or behaviors. As a result, it can lead to difficulties in func- tioning. Climate change can cause and intensify stress and anxiety, adversely affect- • Victims of natural disasters are at ing mental health. For example, events such as extreme storms or extreme heat can an increased risk of anxiety, lead to depression, anger, and even violence. Everyone is at risk, but not everyone depression, PTSD, and suicide. is affected equally. Groups that are especially vulnerable to the mental health im- • 25-50% of people exposed to an pacts of climate change include children, the elderly, and women. Also at risk are extreme weather disaster are at risk disadvantaged groups, those with existing mental illness, and those with close ties of adverse mental health effects. to the land, including farmers and tribal communities.

• Up to 54% of adults and 45% of CASE STUDY: THE MENTAL WEIGHT OF BROKEN LEVEES children suffer depression after a The severity of Hurricane Katrina was far exceeded by the considerable destruction, devastation, natural disaster. displacement, and death left in its aftermath. Some residents trapped in their homes escaped • Forty-nine percent of the survivors to their roofs to await rescue. From there, they watched as the remains of their neighbors and of Hurricane Katrina developed an loved ones floated through the flooded streets. Some families were separated into different anxiety or mood disorder, and 1 in places of refuge. Over a million people were displaced and nearly 2,000 died. Thousands were 6 developed PTSD. Suicide and sui- left traumatized. Those who remained were unable to access basic resources such as schools, cidal ideation more than doubled. shelters, and emergency services. The heavy mental toll extended to those who evacuated • After a record drought in the 1980s, as well. Indeed, Katrina’s overwhelming burden produced many stressors. Survivors had to the suicide rate doubled, includ- cope with profound loss, disrupted social ties, and resulting surges in violence. Mental health ing more than 900 farmers in the services were not widely available. Thus, years later, the psychological scars caused by Katrina Upper Midwest. continue to linger. WHAT CAN BE DONE?

Prepare for emergencies: •• Prepare in advance for emergencies by having Climate Change and practicing an emergency plan. Include food, water, flashlights, and a first aid kit in emergency Impacts on Mental Health preparedness kits. Also consider including items, such as books and games, that can help reduce stress. If you are taking medication for a mental IMMEDIATE IMPACTS health condition (or other health conditions), get Natural disasters are sudden in their onset and include destructive storms, your refills ahead of the storm if possible. floods, wildfires, and extreme heat. •• Evacuate ahead of a disaster if at all possible. Natural disasters may cause posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Evacuating early reduces the risk of stress/anxi- anxiety, depression, and stress. Self-harm, including substance abuse and ety symptoms. The further one evacuates from suicidal ideation, may also occur. the site of a disaster, the less severe the mental READINESS: Seek education about what to expect and how to prepare health impacts are likely to be. for future climate events. •• Check in on vulnerable neighbors during ex- GRADUAL IMPACTS treme weather. Slowly progressing, long-term conditions associated with climate change Seek treatment: include rising temperatures, elevated sea levels, and changing precipitation patterns. •• Mental health conditions are often stigmatized, but treatment for them can be effective and en- Chronic stress can result from the gradual impacts hance overall well-being. Seek treatment if you of climate change. For example infectious or someone you know may be suffering from diseases, chronic diseases (asthma and allergies), nutritional deficiencies, and a persistent and/or debilitating mental health injuries can contribute to stress. condition. MONITORING: Know your health, and •• Be aware of mental health services such as determine whether you are stressed counseling and therapy. Also keep in mind (signs include low energy, tension, and informal means of care such as self-care and headaches). Seek treatment and/or spiritual and community-based services. support if needed. •• Engage in healthy coping behaviors and seek INDIRECT IMPACTS comfort in community events following a weath- Climate change can affect the way er-related disaster. we think about ourselves, each other, and the world. •• Monitor signs of behavioral and psychological changes in children. Such changes include an After a climate event or resulting inability to speak, bed-wetting, stress or fright displacement, people may experience when not in danger, and self-harm. Watch- a diminished sense of self, difficulty ing excess television coverage of an extreme relating to others, diminished social interaction, and solastalgia (the loss weather event can cause distress. Parents should of a sense of place, solace, and security monitor what their children watch and reassure tied to one’s physical environment). and comfort them so they feel protected. Community impacts include domestic abuse, child abuse, and violence (e.g., assault and civil Resources: conflict). Economic insecurity and physical •• To learn more about psychological impacts of damage are other potential effects. climate change, visit www.ecoamerica.org/ COOPERATION: Establish social ties and connections with community mental-health.pdf. members. This will help to withstand changes and encourage adaptation. •• For more information on climate solutions and what you can do to reduce your carbon foot- print, visit www.apha.org/climate and www. climateforhealth.org.

This document is made possible by memorandum of understanding between the American Public Health Association and ecoAmerica.

MAKING THE CONNECTION: CLIMATE CHANGES MENTAL HEALTH